U of A Faculty and Staff Members Receive Lifetime Achievement Awards

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Four members of the University of Arkansas faculty and staff will be honored by the Northwest Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus at their third annual NWA Minority Educators Banquet at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May, 16 at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House on Razorback Road.

Lifetime Achievement Awards will be given to:

• Paul Adams, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry
• Mike Anderson, the Arkansas Razorbacks head basketball coach
• Danielle Wood, director and EEO officer for the U of A Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance
• Diana Gonzalez Worthen, director of the online teacher training program RISE -- Realizing and Increasing Student Excellence – in the College of Education and Health Professions

In addition to the honorees, the NWA Democratic Black Caucus will celebrate all minority teachers in Northwest Arkansas. This year's theme is "Quality Education, A Community Commitment."

"We take pride in celebrating one of the most respected professions known to man," said D'Andre Jones, president of the Northwest Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus. "Teachers are truly committed to the community, not only through education but as role models and mentors. Sometimes teachers have had to assume the role of parents, and even big brothers and sisters. So we want to celebrate them for exceeding their professional commitment."

The event will be hosted by actor Adrian Lockett, who recently appeared in Furious 7 with Vin Diesel and Get Hard with Kevin Hart. Entertainment will be provided by comedian Terrance T. Jones whose appearances include BET's ComicView.

The keynote speakers are Sherman Tate, former president of the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, and Ronetta Francis, vice president of compliance for Walmart Stores, Inc.

Tickets are $35 per person and which must be reserved by email at NWABlackCaucus@gmail.com.

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About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.